He pauses, clearly thinking through his theory again. “Rasputin’s life was dependent on the demonic possession.” A wide grin spreads on Blade’s face, full of pride and satisfaction. “Phil’s wasn’t.”
“So, you think he’ll fully recover?” I ask.
“Have you met Phil?” Blade winks at Flame, who punches him in the shoulder.
“Well, that’s fucking good news,” Crusher says, and happiness floats like a million butterflies in the room around us. Phil seems fine, but it’s amazing to hear a solid theory supporting why.
“So darlin’,” Flame pulls me against him. “Got any ideas on how we should pass the time while Phil sleeps?” His erection slides against me.
“Is sex the only thing on your mind?” Crusher shakes his head.
Flame looks offended for a split second, then rakes back his blond hair. “Around Ana, I am always up for fucking.” He winks at me. “But believe it or not, that wasn’t what I meant.”
“What did you mean?” I look up into his eyes.
“Now all this is done, what are your plans?” He cups my face. “I need to know where you’re headed, because I don’t plan to let you out of my sight. Not ever again.”
My heart flutters, and my desire ratchets up. But Flame’s question lets uncertainty sneak back in. Because now that my actual future lies ahead, now that this ordeal has passed, I have absolutely no idea what comes next.
“Do we need to talk about that right now?” I slide my hands over Flame’s and Blade’s chests. “I can think of far better ways to spend the next few hours.”
Crusher clears his throat, and I feel bad that my not-so-subtle invitation to have sex didn’t include him. I open my mouth to let him know he’s invited too, but he holds up his hand to silence me.
“Ana,” he says. “Before you go off with Flame and Blade, can we talk?”
“Of course.” This is perfect. I couldn’t possibly make love to Crusher, with so much unsaid between us, and neither could I leave him out and go off with Blade and Flame.
I need to apologize for how I’ve treated him. I need to tell him that I love him. And I need to find out if he still loves me too.
Chapter
Forty-Seven
Crusher
Ana leads me toward the basement, with its spa and pool, and I love how her long hair swings side to side, brushing over her pert little ass. It’s unusual to see Ana dressed in slacks, but I’m enjoying how they reveal more of her shape than her usual gowns.
This entire house is spectacular, and the basement’s no exception. The first level has a wine cellar, a home theatre, two bedrooms and a massive games room. And the sub-basement houses a pool, sauna and hot tub.
Ana leads us into the pool area, and it glows like a grotto. The underwater lights, glinting off thousands of tiny aqua tiles, create the illusion that the water itself is illuminated. And the walls and ceiling are covered in dark, indigo tiles highlighted with tiny specks of gold.
“Isn’t this gorgeous!” Ember spins and her hair flies up behind her.
“Gorgeous indeed.” And the room is nice too. I keep the last line to myself, not wanting to make her uncomfortable.
If Ana allows me to stay in her life, at least in some capacity, to stay in my brothers’ lives, I hope this awkwardness between us will diminish over time.
“Shall we sit?” I gesture toward a row of lounge chairs at the side of the pool.
“Perfect.” She heads over and sits on one, perpendicular to its length.
I take the chair opposite, spreading my legs to avoid our knees touching.
“I’m glad you suggested we talk.” Ana smiles softly. “I have some things I need to say.”
“I’d like to go first,” I tell her. “If that’s okay?”
“Sure.” She leans back, putting her hands on the cushioned chaise, and the posture presses her small breasts forward in the most enticing way.